Watch Out for the Quiet Ones

Chapter 8

Hank drove into the parking lot near Rampart's emergency entrance about 15 minutes later. The lot was crowded with three ambulances, two police cruisers and two squads. Big Red was now taking up the rest of the available parking spots. Walking into the ER he spotted Marco and Chet near the nurse's station. Bellingham and Robinson were getting supplies. Vince and Scotty had just exited one of the treatment rooms and joined them. Roy had exited the elevator and was also joining the group. Four of the ambulance attendants waved as they moved down the hall and returned to their vehicles. Marco was the first to spot Cap and waved him over.

"Hey, Cap, glad you finally got here."

"How's everyone doing?"

"Well," Marco began, "they just took Angie up to surgery. Her mother went up to wait in the surgery waiting area. Mike is having his hand x-rayed and they just took the portable x-ray machine into the room where Johnny is."

"Vince, Mrs. Garrison is in the surgical waiting area on 3. She said that she's ready to give a statement," informed Roy.

"Don't know much about Mr. Garrison," added Chet. "Miss McCall and Dr. Brackett just went in to see how things are with him. Vince or Scotty might be able to tell us something."

"He was just starting to realize where he was when we left. Dr. Morton wouldn't let all four of us stay in there with him. Mike sure did a number on his face. I think…"

Vince was interrupted by loud voices coming from the treatment room. One in particular was spewing forth a barrage of expletives and racial slurs that shocked them all. Just then an orderly wheeled Mike back from X-ray and stopped near the assembled firefighters and police. Mike, with great effort, slowly stood up from his wheelchair.

"Where you going, pal?" Cap asked as he stopped Mike with a hand on his arm. Mike didn't answer, just shook his arm loose from Hank's grip and walked to the treatment room and opened the door.

Garrison had broken one of his leg restraints and was fighting to get up. Brackett, Morton, 2 ambulance attendants and the 2 police officers were trying to keep Garrison restrained on the gurney while Dixie was attempting to administer a sedative into his IV port. Mike walked over and using his good hand, gently moved Dixie out of the way. He stood over Garrison and glowered at him. His eyes never wavered from Garrison's eyes. Slowly he raised his left hand and made a fist. Spittle was running from the corners of Garrison's mouth as he continued his rant. He suddenly became aware of who was standing over him and his tirade finally began to lose momentum. Anger and rage were replaced with fear in his eyes. Finally he settled down and became quiet. Mike stared for a few seconds longer, daring him to move or speak, and then backed away from the bed. Garrison was secured once again.

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed a little. Dixie looked at Mike and noticed a look of pain in his eyes. Gently but firmly she took him by the arm and led him out of the room and back to his wheelchair. Brackett watched Mike and Dixie leave and shook his head slowly.

Unknowingly he echoed Chet's sentiment when he stated, "Remind me never to get Mike mad at me!"

Dixie poked her head in the room. "Kel, x-rays are ready."

Brackett left the room to follow Dixie who was pushing Mike's wheelchair into the next treatment room. He took 2 large brown envelopes from her and removed several x-rays from each and put them on the viewing screen. After studying them for several minutes he turned and walked over to his two patients.

"Mike," he began, "looks like you have several broken bones in your hand. The good news is that they are all clean breaks and surgery is not required to fix them. The bad news – you'll be off work for about 6 to 8 weeks."

Mike looked from Brackett to Johnny who was semi-conscious on the gurney. "That's better that going back to work tomorrow and having a permanent new crew member," he stated softly.

Brackett nodded in agreement. "Let's get you up to orthopedics. They'll give you some pain killers that will probably knock you out while they set and cast your hand. Then Dixie will get you settled in a room. I want you here overnight just for observation."

"OK, Doc. That sounds good. I think I could use the sleep," he added with a smile.

An orderly came in to take Mike. Dixie and Kel went to Johnny's side. Dixie gently smoothed Johnny's hair from his forehead. "Hey, tiger. You with us?" Dixie crooned.

Johnny slowly opened his eyes. "Dix…?"

"Kel's got your x-rays back. You ready to have that shoulder fixed?"

"Been ready," he replied with a grin.

"You were correct in it being dislocated. We'll be taking you up to OR and take care of your shoulder and get some stitches in you side. The wound was not a puncture but it did cut through some muscle. It should heal without complications – if you follow your doctor's orders." Bracket returned Johnny grin.

"Whatever you say, Doc," Johnny replied without much energy.

'He must really be hurting!' Bracket thought. 'But I don't think it's all physical pain.'

Things finally started to settle back to some sort of normalcy – if you can call waiting in a hospital to find out how your friends are doing normal. Vince had talked to Mrs. Garrison and Scotty had gotten statements from Chet, Marco, and Roy. They left saying they would be back tomorrow to talk to Mike and Johnny. Mike had been moved into a room and Cap, Roy, Chet, and Marco were sitting with him waiting on word about Johnny.

"Captain Stanley," a nurse said as she came in the room. "Miss McCall said that you and your men need to come down to the doctor's lounge. Chief McConnike is here and wants to talk to you."

"Thank you, nurse," Hank replied. He pushed himself out of the chair and stretched to get the kinks out of his back. Turning to his men he said, "Guess this means we're back on duty."

Hank walked over to the bed. Resting his hand on Mike's shoulder he said quietly, "Take is easy, Mike. We'll be back to see you tomorrow." Mike was still sleeping and did not respond. Hank hoped he heard.

When they got to the lounge they were surprised to see Stoney and his entire crew there along with the Chief. "Stoney, what are you doing here? Did someone from your station get hurt?"

Stoney just chuckled, "Not exactly, Hank."

"Let me explain," interjected the Chief. When Stoney heard what had happened he called me with his idea."

"See, Hank," Stoney interrupted, "my crew got off work this morning and have today and tomorrow off. We asked the Chief to let us fill in for your crew for the rest of your shift. That way you can be here for Mike and Johnny." He chuckled again. "You probably wouldn't be much good for the rest of the shift anyway."

Hank didn't know what to say. He knew he wanted - no needed - to be here with his men, but could not figure out a way to be able to do that. Now here comes he good friend and fellow captain with the answer – a miracle actually.

"Stoney, I don't know what to say."

""You don't have any say in the matter anyway," the Chief explained. "It's settled. As of now you are all relieved of duty. Take the engine and squad back to the barn so Stoney and he men can get to work. Then you can come back and be here for Mike and Johnny - and for each other. I can't imagine what it was like to go through what all of you did today. Just remember – you did everything right; you don't have to second guess your actions. Help Mike and Johnny understand that." The Chief shook Hank's hand and gave him a friendly pat on the back as he left the room.

Hank turned to Stoney and shook his hand. "Thanks, Stoney."

"No thanks needed, Hank. Just take care of your men." He pulled Hank into a brotherly hug. Laughing he added, "Now get those vehicles back to the station so some real firemen can get to work!"

Hank smiled for what seemed like the first time all day and gathered his men. "Alright, you heard the man. Let's get going. By the time we get back hopefully the docs will have word about John."

They quickly gathered their things and headed out. Returning to Rampart 45 minutes later they sought out Dixie for an update.

Dixie looked up from her paperwork as she heard the guys coming down the hall. She smiled as she thought how truly, these men were brothers. Before any of them could ask anything she gave them the answers they sought.

"HI, fellows." Dixie smiled a smile that really brightened their day. "Mike is awake. Johnny is in recovery and will be in his room, with Mike of course, in about 30 minutes. Angie is out of surgery and Mrs. Garrison is with her. She's going to be fine. She's a tough little girl." Dixie had to laugh out loud at their expressions – confusion, surprise, relief, all rolled into one.

"Now, I'd be willing to bet that you haven't eaten since lunch, am I right?"

None of the group before her could look her in the eye.

Nodding, Dixie continued. "I thought so. You have enough time to go to the cafeteria and get some supper before heading upstairs to see Mike and Johnny. Go on. Scoot! I have more important work to do that baby-sit a bunch of hose jockeys!"

Laughing she turned back to her paperwork as the 'hose jockeys' made their way to the cafeteria.

About 45 minutes later found them sitting in the room with Mike and Johnny talking over the events of the day. Johnny described to them what had happened outside - including his intentional fall down the steps and Mike's rescue and takedown of Greg. Mike explained how he heard what was going on and contacted dispatch.. There was a quiet knock on the door and it was slowly opened. Maggie stood in the doorway looking anxiously at the gathered men.

"Maggie, come on in," Johnny offered. "How's Angie doing?"

The men stood and Hank offered her a chair, but she waved them back to their seats and stood by Johnny's bed.

Taking his good hand she gave him a small smile. "Angie is going to be OK," she began. "She has a concussion, a broken leg, and a couple broken ribs; one of which slightly damaged her liver and the doctors had to operate to stop the bleeding." Her eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

Johnny removed his hand from her grip and wrapping his good arm around her shoulders, pulled her to him. She gave in to his hug and finally released all her pent up tears; sobbing uncontrollably on his chest.

"Shh,… shh," Johnny whispered in her ear. "It's gonna be OK. Angie's fine. I'm fine and so's Mike. It's all over. Nobody's gonna hurt you or Angie again. Shh,… it's OK."

Maggie slowly gained control and finally stood up. Roy handed her a box of tissue from the stand between the beds. She smiled at him in thanks.

"Maggie, let me introduce you to everyone. At the foot of the bed is our Captain, Hank Stanley who has the thankless job of trying to keep us all in line. Next to him is Marco Lopez, he's the one who gave me the phone number I gave to you. Next is Chet Kelly, aka The Phantom. The guy laying down on the job is Mike Stoker. He's given new meaning to the phrase 'the strong, silent type'. And last but not least is Roy Desoto, my friend and partner. Guys, this is Maggie Garrison, my best friend from high school."

Maggie smiled at each of them as greetings were exchanged. "Please, just call me Maggie. I just wanted to say 'Thank You' for what you all did today. If you hadn't been there, I don't know what Greg might have done. I'm sorry that you, Mike, and you, Johnny, got injured. I never realized,… no," she said shaking her head, "I never wanted to admit that Greg was so dangerous. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me."

"Maggie," Hank began, "there's nothing to forgive. I speak for all the guys when I say you're not to blame for anything that happened today.""

Maggie again offered her thanks, grateful for their understanding.

"OK, men, it's getting pretty late. Johnny, Mike you get some rest and we'll be back tomorrow to check on you. Maggie, you take care and let us know if you need anything. Keep us informed on how Angie is doing."

Good-byes were said and the guys left leaving Maggie with Mike and Johnny.

"Cap meant it when he said to let us know if you need anything," Mike emphasized. "Remember, you're not alone."

"Thanks Mike."

"Johnny, I called my parents and the Garrisons and explained all that happened today. They're all coming down tomorrow. It's going to be hard to tell them but I've decided to divorce Greg. I don't think he will ever change enough for me to trust him again. There's going to be a trial – guess you and Mike will have to testify."

Maggie stopped on the verge of tears again. Johnny gave her hand a comforting squeeze.

Taking a deep breath she continued. "I'm thinking that when Angie is better and after the trial I'll go back home for a while. Not sure what I will do, but I figure I'll need some time to think things through."

"Maggie," Johnny said quietly, "you do what you think is best. Remember, we're here to help you. I'm here to help you," he added with another squeeze of her hand.

Brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, Maggie leaned down and kissed him. Giving him a tremulous smile she whispered, "I know, Johnny, you've always been there for me."

Straightening up she smiled and waved at Mike and gave Johnny's hand one final squeeze. She quietly walked out of the room. Johnny stared for a long time at the closed door before he finally fell asleep.

Epilog

Mike was released the next afternoon; Johnny a day later. They were both looking at long rehab times, but worked hard to get back as soon a possible to the jobs they loved. Mike returned to A Shift after six weeks. Johnny made it back two weeks later.

During that time Greg's trial occurred. It lasted a week. In the end he was found guilty of spousal abuse, abuse of a minor, assault of a firefighter with a deadly weapon and attempted kidnapping. He was sentenced to 25 years in jail and would not be eligible for parole for 15 years. Because of the circumstances the judge also granted a quick finalization of their divorce. It would be final in 3 months.

Angie recovered quickly physically but seemed to have withdrawn into herself. Maggie tried counseling, but the biggest changes came as she began interacting with Roy's kids, Chris and Jenny. The guys would invite Maggie and Angie to join them for picnics and other outings and they would also go to Maggie's house to help her with different things. Soon Angie was her old smiling, happy, energetic self again.

The guys did help Maggie one final time when she made the move back to her parents' home. They helped with the packing and loading of all her furniture and boxes. Johnny and Roy helped to drive one of the trucks. It was a sad parting for everyone.

Things slowly returned to normal. A Shift had is share of good and bad runs, Chet continued to bug Johnny every chance he got, and Mike even got Johnny and Marco to go to the gym with him several time.

Johnny kept in touch with Maggie – sending short letters each week and phone calls when he wasn't working. Things seemed to be going well for them, but for some reason Johnny had been unable to reach Maggie by phone for over a week. He was starting to get a little concerned and was planning to drive up to his home town the next time he had 2 days off.

The squad backed into the bay and Roy and Johnny climbed out smiling. Cap leaned in the doorway to his office and noticed their almost jubilant attitude.

"Good run," he asked?

Roy handed him a blue bubble gum cigar and Johnny handed him a pink one.

"Twins," they replied in unison. Their smiles couldn't get any bigger.

"Ah, John, you have some visitors," Cap announced. "They're waiting for you out back."

"Visitors? Who?"

Cap's only answer was a smile and to shoo John in the right direction. Johnny turned and walked toward the parking lot behind the station. Roy started to follow but Hank grabbed his arm to stop him and directed him to the day room.

Johnny looked toward his Rover and couldn't believe his eyes. There stood Maggie and Angie. Angie saw him first and letting out a squeal of delight ran and jumped into his arms. Click! Maggie smiled and quickly joined her daughter. Johnny shifted Angie so he could give Maggie a hug. She returned the hug and added a quick kiss on his cheek. Click!

"Maggie! Where have…? What are…?"

Maggie laughed. "Breathe Johnny. Come on, one question at a time."

Johnny was finally overcoming the shock of seeing them and walked them over to his Rover and sat Angie on the hood. Click!

"First, where have you been? I've been trying for over a week to reach you. And second, what are you doing here?" he said with mock anger. He couldn't keep from smiling.

"My parents were helping me move. Remember I told you the Garrisons had several properties in the LA area? Well, one of them is a lovely, apartment complex right near Angie's school. One apartment just became available and they offered it to me. I'm going to be working at the school as a secretary for the principal and be the advisor for the school newspaper starting next week." Maggie could hardly contain her excitement and enthusiasm. She was literally beaming!

"Mags, I'm so happy for you, but why didn't you tell me you were moving back?"

"Angie wanted to surprise you."

"Well, you sure did surprise me, sweetheart" Johnny exclaimed happily. He pulled her into a hug and kissed her on top of her head. Click!

"Johnny, on a more serious note, my divorce is final. I got the papers in the mail last week."

Johnny couldn't tell if she was happy about this or not. "Are you OK with that Mags?"

"Oh, Johnny yes! I'm glad it's over and I can get on with life. It's a little frightening but also exciting at the same time. I'm going to be doing something I love to do; I will know my daughter is safe

and … I have my best friend back in my life." She looked up into Johnny's face, her eyes dancing with joy.

Johnny looked at her momentarily speechless. He couldn't find the words to express all the emotions he was feeling. He gently cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes.

"Maggie, I'm glad you think of me as your best friend, but if you're willing, I'd like to become more than your best friend." He bent down and gently kissed her lips. "I love you Maggie; I always have."

He wrapped his arms around her and for the first time in a very long time she felt safe, secure and loved. Click!

They broke their embrace. "Let's go inside and get some coffee. I'm sure the guys are dieing with curiosity," Johnny laughed. "I bet I can even find some cookies and milk for you, Angie."

Johnny lifted Angie down from the hood of the Rover and took her hand. He put his arm around Maggie's shoulders and smiling they walked toward the station. Click!

Mike quietly closed the locker room door and returned Johnny's camera to his locker. He was sure Johnny would like the surprise he would find when he developed this roll of film. Quickly he made his way through the dorm, out to the bay and in front of the engine. He picked up a rag and began to polish Big Red's bumper. Looking up as Johnny, Maggie and Angie walked into the bay he smiled and waved. Johnny waved for him to join them and the rest of the crew in the day room.

The End (or just the beginning)?


Author's Note: Thanks to all of you who stuck with me on this writing journey. Hope you feel it was worth it :) Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews. They really kept me writing.